Mabel Weigle Harlan, 106, of New Harbor and Warren Penn., died June 5 in Damariscotta. Mabel was born in 1902 near Harlansburg, Penn., the only child of William and Annie Hunt Weigle. In 1919 Mabel graduated from Harlansburg High School as class valedictorian and (after three more years of study) from Patterson School of Music in New Castle, Penn., gaining skills that she would put to use over a 70-year career teaching piano. In 1923, she married Willard Harlan, her high school sweetheart. Mabel and Willard had two daughters, Leora, born in 1925, and Edice, born in 1933.
Mabel’s great loves were her family, her church, piano and quilting. Even at 106 years of age, she could proudly recount the recent accomplishments of all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She taught piano for over 70 years, often imparting her love of music to multiple generations of the same family. Mabel was well known for her quilt-making artistry and craftsmanship. Over her lifetime, she hand-stitched over 100 quilts, many of which are lovingly displayed in the homes of her many progeny.
For many years, Mabel attended the First Christian Church in New Castle, Penn. where she was actively involved in the Church’s various programs, including the library and music. She was also an active member of the Willard Grange in Princeton, Penn.
After the death of her husband Willard in 1989, Mabel divided her time between her two daughters. In the summer, she resided with Leora and son-in-law George Robbins in New Harbor, while in the winter she resided with Edice and son-in-law Norman Perschke in Warren, Penn.
Mabel is survived by her two daughters; grandchildren, Lynda and husband Glen Slocum, Barbara and husband Douglas Wilson, William and wife Shelly Perschke, Donald and wife Maureen Perschke, Stephen and wife Catherine Perschke, Reid and husband Mary Miner, David and wife Linda Robbins, Jay and wife Mauri Miner, James and wife Zoe Miner; 23 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services 2 p.m., Sun., July 12 at the First Presbyterian Church, Third and Market Sts. in Warren, Penn. and Sun., July 19 the First Christian Church, West Washington St. on the Diamond, in New Castle, Penn.
For those who so wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to their local Hospice organization, to First Christian Church, New Castle, Penn., or to their favorite charity.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.